I have to walk her everywhere with her walker and a gait belt. Just lately, she seems unable to move her feet to walk. She'll stand/stand/stand. Move an inch with one foot. I keep encouraging her; it's like her muscles don't work. I know she's had mild Parkinson's for a number of years.
This happens in the evening. In the morning and afternoon, she can walk . , . albeit at a snail's pace.
I'm afraid if I start using the wheelchair to get her everywhere, she'll get so she can't even stand and turn . . .
Anyone know why she might be doing this?
That happened to my sister; she had difficulty walking and controlling one of her feet, and was diagnosed with drop foot as a side effect of the cancer metastasis. She did get fitted with a foot device for walking assistance but it really didn't help much.
I on the other hand am curious as to the reasons behind things, which usually causes me endless frustration. Better perhaps to just accept things as they are and deal with problems day by day.
Cwillie, have the doctors thought of any reason why your mother's one leg suddenly becomes immobile?
However, you are right about this post.
Not able to walk is perplexing, and may originate in the spinal chord or brain.
It may be the result of stroke, TIA, lumbosacral radiculopathy, other disease processes such as parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, fractures of spine, hip pain,
and probably alzheimers/dementia. I would look for a diagnosis starting with a neurologist. Especially with stroke or TIA, rehab can help return to the ability to walk. With some diagnoses, such as parkinsons or MS, the condition can come and go, get better, then return.
With parkinsons, the patient may freeze up. We had success by placing foot-shaped brightly colored stepping-reminders (like drawing feet on the sidewalk in chalk) in front of the patient's pathway. Focusing on this new information, he placed one foot ahead of another and became unfrozen! Another time he was observed to drop something, and focusing on picking it up unfroze him. We tried throwing stuff at his feet, progressing further and further out-that worked too.
That must be the miracle televangelists who do healings are looking for to put on the t.v. lol?
Of course she isn't walking at all right now but I am still hopeful she can get back on her feet.
I'm wondering as well about spinal cord issues - has she mentioned any unusual sensations in her spine, back, lower back, hips or upper legs?
But CountryMouse!! I demand you stop recording us in the privacy of my home!!
Honestly, that sounds just like me! Same words! Same Aaaaaargggh! Lordy! Last night, I tried to use the wheelchair after an unsuccessful attempt with her on her feet. Me Aaaaarggghing.
She was MAD. Took her in the bedroom to go on the potty, and she wouldn't get up. "Leave me alone!! Will you PLEASE hush!!!" I ended up leaving her in her chair for about half an hour in their to cool down. Invited her to just sleep there.
I asked Tom to go in. Lo and behold, she was finally ready to go to bed.
And now she's clamoring to get up.
Tom suggested we get her into bed earlier. (Now it's about 10 PM.) These new symptoms are 'just lately' and always at night. I may try that, but if she wakes at the crack of dawn, that won't work.
I'm taking advice here. No walking after 6 PM. I'll see if that helps.
But, seriously, Countrymouse. No more recording. ;)
Presumably in my mother's case it's co-ordination controls going haywire, but if your mother has been diagnosed with Parkinson's my money would be on that. Don't despair, PT can help with balance exercises (if you have more luck than I did getting your mother to DO them).
There are plenty of explanations of why she can't get her feet to move as she wants them to within her Parkinson's and dementia. Discuss this with her doctor.
I wonder if switching to a wheelchair in the evenings would be a relief to both of you? Let Mom continue walking with your help earlier in the day, to maintain the strength she needs to transfer. Push her around later in the day. Also use a wheel chair out of the house, such as shopping, visiting a museum, any of that kind of outing. It reduces frustration and makes the entire experience more pleasant for both of you.
Up until 5 months ago my mother was walking pretty darn good....it was almost an overnight change... the shuffling started and scared to move, then stepping over sunbeams and yellow lines.... her eyesight is still great, her perception is gone. And or, maybe. her mind is confused at how to walk? This is just based on how my mother is.... she gets so confused on how things work, she will just stand there for awhile and try to regain thoughts/actions that are gone.
Sorry.... it is hard